Ole Dutch Bakery Destroyed By Fire
The day typically reserved for love ended in disaster for the owners of the Ole Dutch Bakery, as well as for the town of Lake Providence. Late in the evening of February 14, 2008, a call was placed to the Lake Providence Fire Department. Heavy, black smoke had been spotted boiling out of the back of the bakery. Within minutes, the fire crew was on the scene and quickly called for back up from neighboring parishes. The fire was contained to the one building but 2 neighboring buildings sustained smoke and water damage. The fire flared throughout the night and into the early morning of February 15th. The building, which was gutted, is a total loss. At this time, it is unknown what caused the fire.
Marlin Wedel, a member of the Mennonite community south of Lake Providence, and his wife began their business one month shy of 25 years ago. It quickly became a favorite gathering place for locals, as well as, a destination for tourist. The loss of the business is a blow to the town's floundering downtown. The Wedel, who are in their 60s, have said that they are unsure if they will rebuild.
*photo by Joshua Corban - The Vicksburg Post